Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

Why cats sleep so much

PawTracks
By

Did you know that a cat sleeps 15 hours a day on average? That’s quite a long time! It’s really no doubt that these sleepy, cuddly friends are absolute lounge lovers. A day of snoozing is most definitely a happy day in a cat’s world. Although they admire sleeping all day long, there’s more to this fascinating nature of a cat sleeping than meets the eye. 

gray cat laying in cat bed
Jason Braatz/Unsplash

8 intriguing reasons why a cat sleeps so much

A cat sleeping is more than it being a lazy, lethargic furry friend. 

  • Cats are natural hunters. Hunting is an instinctual feline behavior that can easily drain energy. By nature, cats are natural hunters even if they’re strictly indoor pets. Although most domestic cats prefer to stay indoors, there are times when you’ll see their primal instinct bloom here and there. This is even more obvious in cats that live in the wild. Cats that thrive in the outside world spend a large amount of energy hunting prey. After a good session of chasing and hunting, it’s time for a well deserved rest — and that goes for indoor cats, as well.
  • Crepuscular? That’s what cats are. Since a cat sleeps all day and becomes active during the dawn and dusk hours, it is considered crepuscular – and this is a normal part of its lifestyle. This highly benefits them because other natural predators are usually hunting late at night or during the daytime. Of course, indoor cats typically won’t have this worry, but it’s great to understand that regardless of the situation, primal instincts tend to dominate.
  • Felines must adapt to hot environments. Indoors or outdoors, cats have evolved so they can adapt to hot temperatures in order to stay comfortable. A cat sleeping is an effective method to regulate its body temperature.
  • Cats truly love to snooze and stay in bed. Who doesn’t love a terrific snooze session? Another reason why a cat sleeps so much is simply because it feels spectacular. Every chance they have for a resting period, cats sure spring right to it. 
cat on back with paws up and eyes closed
Pixabay/Pexels
  • Just like we need to recharge ourselves during the night, cats need to conserve their energy, as well. Yes, cats recharge themselves differently than we do, but we all do it for the same purpose — to feel rested for what is ahead.
  • A rainy day is a sleepy day. It’s obvious that cats are affected by weather — just like us. Even though a cat’s behavior is mostly based on its age, personality, health, and breed, most indoor and outdoor cats spend a good portion of their time sleeping when the clouds start to drizzle. A rainy day has us all yawning!
  • From the kitten life to adulthood, these sleepy furry friends can adjust and adapt their sleep habits. It’s normal for newborn kittens to sleep 24 hours a day as they nurse and grow. When they begin to mature, the required amount of sleep decreases to about 15 hours a day. Once they reach their majestic senior years, the required sleep increases again. No matter what age, a cat sleeping for long periods of time is typical.
  • A cat may be sleeping too much. A cat sleeping their day away is usually normal, but if you feel your cat is sleeping too much, be sure to take your precious feline friend to the vet. A dramatic change to a cat’s sleep schedule may indicate a serious health concern, such as depression, pain, gastrointestinal issues, and more. 
cat sleeping
Pixabay / Pexels

The sleeping behavior of cats are highly adaptable. You may find that a cat can adjust its own sleeping patterns to fit their feeding schedules as well as spending more quality time with their favorite people for snuggles and playtime. 

Recommended Videos

Why a cat sleeps so much is no longer an age-old mystery! Although it may seem like they’re sleeping their life away, sleep is a large and natural part of their lives. Whether it’s to conserve and recharge their energy, a rainy day calling for some extra sleep, or just part of their primal instincts, a cat sleeping all the time is simply a fascinating recipe for a healthy, happy life.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
PawTracks
PawTracks
How to tell if your cat is a Maine Coon mix (and why you should care)
Should you consider a Maine Coon mix? Here's what you need to know
Closeup of a Maine Coon's face

There are plenty of big and fluffy cats out there, but one of the best-known breeds fitting this description is the Maine Coon. These cats are not only impressive in size, but they also tend to have fantastic personalities that make them beloved family pets. While purebred Maine Coons are a little more uncommon in rescues and shelters, it's possible to adopt a Maine Coon mix that still has some of the breed's distinctive characteristics.

While telling exactly which breeds your cat is can be a little tricky, it's worth doing some investigative work to better understand your feline's background and what that might mean for the care he needs during his life.
Where do Maine Coon cats come from?
You may have heard that the Maine Coon Cate originated from a fantastical cross between a feline and a raccoon. Of course, this didn't really happen, but it could be where they get the name. (Another option, from a ship's captain who brought the first of these kitties ashore.)

Read more
There’s a totally normal reason cats throw up after eating grass – here’s why
Learn about this cat behavior and if there's cause for concern
Calico cat lying on its back in a grassy yard

If your cat throws up after eating grass, there's probably no reason to be concerned. Eating grass is a natural behavior for most cats, and throwing up after eating that grass also is pretty common. There are physical reasons for why your cat throws up grass, and aside from dealing with the inconvenience of having to clean up cat vomit in the house, this behavior usually isn't a problem.

But excessive vomiting and unusual grass consumption can be a cause for concern. If your cat likes to munch grass, then it's best to familiarize yourself with what's normal and what might be a reason to worry.

Read more
When can kittens leave their mom? Don’t separate them too early
How soon is too soon to separate kittens from their moms?
A mama cat snuggling her three kittens.

All parents know that rearing a family is hard work, and the same holds true for mama cats. Between regularly feeding and bathing her kittens to providing a constant source of warmth and snuggles, mother cats have their work cut out for them when they're taking care of newborn kittens. However, just because Mama Cat is exhausted from caring for her litter, that doesn't mean you should separate the kittens from their mom too early. Have you ever wondered, "When can kittens leave their mom safely?"

We'll share everything you need to know about helping your cat take care of her little ones, from how to avoid kitten care becoming a second job to when kittens are old enough to safely leave their mom.

Read more